Racing XC or All Mountain MTB

[bak2basiks]

Hello Everyone...

 

March/April will see me buying a new mountain bike. I am unable to decide between a full XC racing bike or just an all mountain rig. For the all mountain, I'll go for the 2007 GT Avalanche Expert (should I find one at that time) and find the R8k enough to spend on a bike.

 

I weigh in at 66 - 67kg and I'm 174cm tall. With my dimensions I decided a HT will do which I think will be less maintenance and better value for money.

 

I've sort of settled on the Stevens Wave at R16k and the Orbea Lanza Enigma looks good to. But the Commencal

Supernormal Deluxe has just seen me getting pretty excited. The Commencal looks so well made and I love the attention to

detail. I'm not sure what the Commencal goes for, but what other HT's are there to consider in the R14 - R16k range. I am not going more than R16k.

 

Thanks in advance....

 

[CaptainDura]

You thinking carbon or alu?

 

The scott scale 30 or 20 carbon should fall in that pricerange.

In alu you will get very good deals on the mongoose HT range.

 

You probably could pick up a brand new 2007 model at willie engelbrecht for less even...

 

Shop around and remember to ask for discounts on the 2007 models.

 

[Thug]

In the R16k range, you can get the Mongoose Teocali (dual - susser) with if I'm not mistaken full XT. One of the best value for money bikes around at the moment.

 

 

 

 

[Hog_]

+1 For the Mongoose (Mongeese?) bikes! Teocali is apparently a great all-mountain bike, and the Canaan Elite is apparently an excellent XC bike.

 

I say apparently because I've heard a lot of good things about them. Still need to get around to testing them. Problem is that once I test the damn thing I'm gonna buy the damn thing!

 

What kind of riding are you wanting to do b2b?

 

 

 

[bak2basiks]

I'm not too concerned about a carbon frame, alu will do just find. It must just be a speed machine and "super" light....and also I want a bike that will benefit from possible upgrades.....should I see the need in the future....

 

[bak2basiks]

I have also heard excellent stories about the Mongoose bikes....I'd rather get a Mongoose than a Giant, no reason really, but I see it as an "underdog" bike.

 

Is it worthwhile going for these "exotic" bikes....(Stevens, Orbea, etc.)?

 

I just started MTB'ing in the beginning of 2007 and as expected I'm hooked. I love singletrack, but a full day on the bike will be good too. I enjoy going fast in the bush. The faster, the better. I will want to do the Cape Epic come 2009 or 2010...and that is where I want to head towards.....

 

I want to stay clear of a full suspension, but the Toecali I've seen and it looks good + it's got SRAM X9 rear de....which I prefer...

 

[bak2basiks]

Ok....with this new slash in 2007 prices for the Commencal its between two bikes (in this order):

 

1. 2007 Commencal Supernormal Deluxe: +/-R13k

2. 2007 Mongoose Canaan Elite: +/-R???

 

The 2008 Mongoose cost R18k, which is way above what I'm budgeting for.....and also, seeing that it costs US$1999 = R14k, it would have been well within budget....don't see why its R4k more expensive....if Mongoose thinks its worth R14k, then I'll be stupid to spend R4000 more than its value...

 

Any views or suggestions on the two bikes...?

 

 

 

[Li Mu Bai]

Well I have raced hard on the Commencal Super normal Deluxe since April of last year - just awesome. It took me to 2nd subvet in the FPC half marathon series in 10 months of cycling.

It hasn't let me down once (not even a flat - touch wood). Climbs really well, light weight, and the sram gear is just great.

you cant go wrong with it. I have added some upgrades to mine, and taken it as far as it can go, great quality and value.

 

Also the service from Jean Luc and Graham is really top notch.

My best advice, try before you buy - they have demo's available... not many other brands let you get dirty with their gear.